Calling all Jackson Mags (a few Qs)

**skiaholik** · 07-12-2006, 10:08 AM

I know its not even August yet but the other UVM guys and I have been discussing and trying to figure out the exact time we'll begin our trek out to Jackson this fall. The plan has always been to go the end of Sept/early Oct and take a few weeks to stop and visit some people we know along the way as well as to see a lot of the various sites.

Because of a few circumstances it looks like we might be leaving the very beginning of Oct meaning we'd get there mid month. Herein lies the possible problem. Jackson mags, do all leases out there start at the first of the month? are landlords cool about pro-rating months rent? are most leases 6mo, 9mo, 1yr, month-by-month or what? At current calculation there are nine of us so we'd probably have to take up 2 places, preferably in Jackson (not in wilson or the village/aspens area).

Another thing, I know snowriders asked this before sorta but with the season pass pricing being staggered by aug, sept and oct cutoff dates and us not being out there until mid oct (i know you can purchase it online thats not the question), would you recommend buying it early or risking the chance of finding a part time job at a shop (most of us will be doing waiting or something else full time) or somewhere that offers a pass discount when we get out there in oct?

Any beta, advice or whatever anyone can throw out would be greatly appreciated by all of us. Closer to our departure we are going to post a rough idea of our route and time frame and ask for input on fav places to stop or must see things along the way.

Thanks in advance.

**Shredhead** · 07-12-2006, 10:16 AM

I hope you guys have a lot of cash!

**Lawless** · 07-12-2006, 10:40 AM

You may be able to find a place mid-month and get it pro-rated. Probably not for 9 guys though. That's generally for one or two that are filling rooms in places that someone moved out of early. Most leases are 6 months, but some are longer or shorter. Month to month is not very common.

As far as passes go, it's up to whatever risk you're willing to take. Depending on the shop, some pay you a few dollars more an hour if they don't have to buy your pass. Other places may offer a certain percentage off the August rate. It all depends on where you end up working. I personally would wait to see where you end up working before you get a pass. The difference in price between Aug and Dec. is about $400-500 which potentially could save you the cost of the whole thing if your job gives you a free pass.

The job fair is the last weekend of October, so if you get into town a week or two before that, it will be very good to get out before then. A lot of kids fly in just for that weekend and pick up jobs.

My advice would be to come in Mid-October, stay at the Motel 6 for a few nights ($30/night), find a place to live and a job. Then run down to Moab for a week or two until your lease starts. Lots of free camping down there.

**sar13** · 07-12-2006, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by skiaholik

Because of a few circumstances it looks like we might be leaving the very beginning of Oct meaning we'd get there mid month. Herein lies the possible problem. Jackson mags, do all leases out there start at the first of the month? are landlords cool about pro-rating months rent? are most leases 6mo, 9mo, 1yr, month-by-month or what? At current calculation there are nine of us so we'd probably have to take up 2 places, preferably in Jackson (not in wilson or the village/aspens area).

Another thing, I know snowriders asked this before sorta but with the season pass pricing being staggered by aug, sept and oct cutoff dates and us not being out there until mid oct (i know you can purchase it online thats not the question), would you recommend buying it early or risking the chance of finding a part time job at a shop (most of us will be doing waiting or something else full time) or somewhere that offers a pass discount when we get out there in oct?

Any beta, advice or whatever anyone can throw out would be greatly appreciated by all of us. Closer to our departure we are going to post a rough idea of our route and time frame and ask for input on fav places to stop or must see things along the way.

Thanks in advance.

Rentals - Most landlords like 1st of the month leases but not all. Being out here earlier would improve your selection but you will still find something in mid-Oct but it might not start until Nov. 1, so bring some warm sleeping bags. Most leases are 6 month or 1 year but there are month-month as well. Check out http://www.jacksonholenewsandguide.com/classifieds.php
when the time gets closer. You might have to get 3 places depending on what you find. There's some local law about more than 3 or 4 unrelated people living together. Of course it happens all the time but some property managers are kinda sticky about it.

Pass - If you have the cash and don't have definite plans to work for the ski corp I'd recommend buying your pass in August. If you end up getting a job that offers a pass you might be able to use your pass as a bargaining chip and ask for some other benny like a little more per hour or something. Also, employers like to see that you have some cash and already commited to being here and aren't just looking for a job to get the pass and then bail mid-season or something.

Also, don't be afraid to contact employers before you get here. I did that in '92 and got a ski shop job before arriving. It helped when looking for an apartment to already have a job lined up. Even if you don't get a job dialed just making some contacts and presenting yourself well will help you out when you get here.

I think I met one of you guys on Sublette this winter. Good luck with everything. See you on the slopes.

**skiaholik** · 07-12-2006, 11:05 AM

Thanks for all the info so far. We're coming with tents and bags as we'll be camping along the way so lawless, your idea doesn't sound to bad either, (even though we're passing through moab on the way there a little extra time wouldn't suck).

Now this question is more for my benefit than the rest of the crew but what is the best restaurant/bar to work at? Most cash and/or coolest scene/people should be considered. I have 3 years serving experience but I'd like to possibly find a bartending job (though I've never done it I've picked up enough along the way to make most of the drinks). If I can get a list together of where to apply I'd like to start contacting employers before heading out to possible set up interviews or even line up a job.

**fez** · 07-12-2006, 11:25 AM

server jobs: read the classifieds he posted above.
bartender jobs: read the obituaries.

but also keep in mind while bartending usually pays better, serving will get you to first tram more often.

or i mean first gondola.

**scarlet begonias** · 07-12-2006, 11:51 AM

skiaholic Do you know Paul Velte?

**skiaholik** · 07-12-2006, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by bumpskier

skiaholic Do you know Paul Velte?

Neg.

6789

**WWCD** · 07-12-2006, 12:39 PM

Can't really tell you what the best place to work is. I worked at Mt High for about 3yrs and had a great time.

If you want to bartend, you will most likely need to barback for a while. I seem to remember buddies who did that making decent $.

Leases are usually 6month or a year. Around the time I was leaving it seemed they were moving more towards a year.

I'm with Lawless on the buying the pass once you get there. It is very iffy for you to get anything back if your job does pick up any cost.

If you want free camping w/o going to Moab, you can always drive up the Elk Refuge Rd and camp in the Gros Ventre's. You just gotta pack up everyday, but I will give you a change to dick around town and meet some people.

**Hutch** · 07-12-2006, 12:47 PM

I would try to work and live in the village, if I had it to do over.

**scarlet begonias** · 07-12-2006, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by skiaholik

Neg.
6789

Thought you might. He just graduated from UVM in May (Forestry Major??). He is really into skiing also, and is moving to JH when he gets back from being a fly fishing guide in AK this summer. Figured you might be buddies.

**skiaholik** · 07-28-2006, 04:13 PM

Ok so its closer to our Oct 3 departure date and I took the time this afternoon to compile a list of some of the restaurants in jackson and some in the village. I plan on sending out emails and resumes this weekend but wanted some input on the list I have so far and if anyone has any connections or friends at any of these places or work experience there or whatever. So far its

Snake River Brew Pub
The Grill at Amangani
4 Seasons
Cascade Grill House and Spirits
Rusty Parrot
Mangy Moose
Calico Restaurant

Thoughts?

**Lawless** · 07-28-2006, 04:21 PM

Out of all those, I think the brew pub would be the best to work at, local crowd and generally pretty relaxed. I would advise against the 4 Seasons. I had a roommate who worked at the ski rental shop two years ago and he was forced to work 6-7 days a week when it got busy. The money was good, but skiing suffered and he was forced to do anything and everything the client wanted. This came down to taking people's boots off for them at the end of the day because they didn't want to waste the energy to bend over and do it themselves. I worked a little bit on the condos that they were putting in and walking through that place creeped me out. It seems like a hospital behind the scenes. Lots of weird rules that are aimed at breaking the employee's spirit.

You can go ahead and send out e-mails and resumes, but I doubt that you would hear anything back right now. Town is crazy right now and everyone is focusing on making sure they have enough people now. I would follow up in Mid-September before you head out. It's a little less crazy then.

**rideit** · 07-28-2006, 04:23 PM

Village Inn!

**kush1** · 07-28-2006, 08:10 PM

My roomate right now works at Amangani, the food there is pretty expensive so she makes good money.

not sure about the other ones, i would imagine you would make god money at the brew pub.

**sar13** · 07-28-2006, 09:10 PM

My wife used to work at the Blue Lion. Pretty chill staff most of whom have been there for a while and the owner is an old ski bum.

Also try to Gunbarrell. I haven't eaten there in years but a guy in my office works a few shifts a week and makes $$$$. It's a big hit with the tourists.

Try the Alpenhof too. Management might be a pain but it's right at the base and tends to attract skiers. I used to work in the shop in there and there were always ski bums cooking and waiting tables.

Good luck.

**upallnight** · 07-28-2006, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by kush1

My roomate right now works at Amangani, the food there is pretty expensive so she makes good money.

not sure about the other ones, i would imagine you would make god money at the brew pub.

is the amangani more crowded these days?

it's pricey, but it's almost always empty (in the winter) from all i've seen & heard.

sar13 has some good suggestions about places with moderately high checks and more peeps (= more cash for you).

**rideit** · 07-29-2006, 01:45 AM

Originally Posted by sar13

Also try to Gunbarrell. I haven't eaten there in years but a guy in my office works a few shifts a week and makes $$$$. It's a big hit with the tourists.

.

Michael Pearleman?

**Hutch** · 07-29-2006, 01:49 AM

I worked at the Gunbarrel as a busser about 12 years ago for about 3 weeks. All I remember is one-hitters in the restroom and going home with about $50 in cash after a long shift.

**kush1** · 07-29-2006, 03:42 AM

Ive only heard really good things so far, I guess in the summer it attracts a lot of rich tourists

I however work at the Bunnery along with somewhere else, I make about $370 on a decent sunday there, and never leave with less then $280 per day

Originally Posted by upallnight

is the amangani more crowded these days?

it's pricey, but it's almost always empty (in the winter) from all i've seen & heard.

sar13 has some good suggestions about places with moderately high checks and more peeps (= more cash for you).

**upallnight** · 07-29-2006, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by kush1

Ive only heard really good things so far, I guess in the summer it attracts a lot of rich tourists

I however work at the Bunnery along with somewhere else, I make about $370 on a decent sunday there, and never leave with less then $280 per day

sounds hard to beat. i know the bunnery is rockin in the summer (esp sunday)...but how does it do in the winter? i imagine that whole outside section is closed + less foot traffic.

now *there's* your way to pay for the pass.

back to the original poster's question: a buddy of mine worked in a restaurant in the village last winter (Vertical). i believe he was able to buy a pass at 15% or 30% off the august rate at any time -- he got his in dec or jan. i'm pretty sure i got that right...i'll ask him in the next few days to confirm.

in other words, if you wait, you might get a pass for free, or you still might get a discount off of the lowest rate.

**fez** · 07-29-2006, 10:23 AM

when i lived in JH, i got a mid week pass and worked at the soj (cooking) and teton pines. when i applied at the soj, the told me they wanted to give me the job, but it was two breakfast shifts and two dinner shifts a week. i said that was fine as long as i could do doubles on the weekend. then i worked at the sushi bar at the pines. so i worked sat-sun 6am until about midnight, then monday from 3 til 11 or so. and had 4 days completely off to ski.

kb1dqh · 07-29-2006, 09:30 PM

I worked at the 4 Seasons doing Turndown Service. Can't say I like the job, alhtough the perks (free dinner, paid part of the pass) were great. However, it's NOT low key. I think some of the other jobs there where there's more people interaction are better, but still, it's the 4-Seasons. They do pay well and you're in the village...

EDIT: However, durring ski season you can work turndown 5-10 or 11, get free food, and ski every day. Good.

**comish** · 07-30-2006, 12:26 PM

My buddies were bellman at the Soj and that was a good gig. got to ski a lot, play pool and drink beer while working, and made ok money through tips. I would personally try to work in the Village or somewhere not too far. I was a rental monkey at Wilde. Skied 4-5 days / week, but 1-2 of those days might have only been for 2-3 hours in the middle of the day. Lived in the Aspens and dug that. Easy drive to the village, pretty nice condo's, and moose for neighbors. For all the jobs my friends got we could buy the pass when we showed up through the employer for a discount and/or take out of wages which was helpful.